Virtual interface and control device

ABSTRACT

An input device for a computer or other programmable device translates the proximity of an object to one or more antennae into an electronic signal. The antennae generate a first frequency and a second frequency. When an object, such as a hand, is placed in proximity to the antenna, the object causes the first and second frequencies to heterodyne, which creates a third frequency, also referred to as a beat frequency or pulse frequency. A receiver interprets the pulse frequency and translates it into an electronic signal that can be used to command a computer or other programmable device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/327,785, filed on Jan. 6, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/641,809 filed Jan. 7, 2005.Each of the above referenced applications is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to methods and devices for interfacingwith electronic devices that receive commands from an operator, such ascomputer systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

The following description and discussion of the prior art is undertakenin order to provide background information so that the present inventionmay be completely understood and appreciated in its proper context.

Input devices for use with a computer have transformed significantlyover the last three decades. Generally speaking, punch cards gave way toterminals with keyboards; keyboards gave way to the mouse. The mouse hasevolved from a unit housing a ball interacting with motion detectors, toa number of variants, some of which are as follows:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,825 to Gilbert discloses an input device for acomputer that detects movement of an object, such as a finger, within aselected field of space. The input device is used to control movement ofa cursor over a display device. The device includes directionaltransducers that receive reflections of EMF from an object in the field,and provides signals to an “interpreter.” The interpreter detectsmovements by employing a clock which determines the time differencebetween the reflections received by the transducers, which it thenreduces to a signal that controls the cursor.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,357 to Dunton discloses an input device that usesimages of input devices, and scanning sensors that detect userinteraction with those images. The scanning sensors include digitalvideo cameras that capture the movement of a user's hands and convertthe movement into input command signals. The scanning sensors mayalternatively sense the projected light reflected from the user's hands,or may detect the combination of the reflected projected light and theuser's hands.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,422 to Rafii, et al., discloses an input device thatemploys a three-dimensional sensor imaging to capture three-dimensionaldata as to the placement of a user's fingers on a substrate that eitherbears or displays a template similar to a keyboard or a keypad. Thethree-dimensional sensor transmits optically acquired data to acompanion computer system that computes the velocity and location of theuser's fingers, and converts that information into a command.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,498,628 to Iwamura discloses an electronic applianceremote controller that employs a camera as a motion-sensing interface.The camera captures video images of a users' hand, evaluates the movingspeed and direction of the hand, and correspondingly moves a cursorappearing on a screen.

In U.S. Patent Application Publication 2003/0048312, Zimmerman disclosesan apparatus for generating control signals for the manipulation ofvirtual objects in a computer system. The apparatus includes a gloveworn on a hand that includes sensors for detecting the gestures of thehand, and hand position. The computer system receives data from thesensors, and generates corresponding control signals in response.

U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0075240, Lieberman, et al.,describes a device for inputting alphanumeric information into acomputer that employs sensors that may be optical, acoustic or positionsensors to sense the “pressing” or “striking” of virtual keys. Thesensor then forwards data to a processor, which converts the “pressing”or “striking” data with characters, instructions information or data.

U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0006807, Mantyjarvi, et al.,teaches a device for entering data that creates a virtual keyboard byusing an infrared transceiver arrangement. The infrared transceiversrecord reflection data obtained from an object placed within a field ofinfrared light, and processes the data to correspond to a key positionor function.

SUMMARY

The invention comprises an input device for a computer or otherprogrammable circuit that translates the proximity of an object to oneor more antennae into an electronic signal. The antenna generates areference first frequency and a second frequency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theintervention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the intervention.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of a prefaced embodiment of the invention asused with a personal computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, and in which are shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and structural changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of preferred embodiment of the inventionthat may be used to operate a programmable device, such as a computer. Afirst antenna 1, and second antenna are 2 rotatably and pivotallyattached to control pad 3. Control pad 3 may include a third antenna 4,which may be embedded in, or externally attached to control panel 3.Control pad 3 may also include buttons 5 and 6, which can correspond tothe left and right buttons found on a conventional mouse.

Antennas 1 and 2 may be constructed from conventional materials known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. Antennas 1 and 2 may be rotatablyand pivotally attached to control pad 3 by a combination of actuatorsthat position the antennae in optimal relationships based upon feedbackfrom the system driver.

Control pad 3 may resemble a conventional mouse pad known to those inthe art. Control pad 3 may be constructed from any non-conductivematerial that is electromagnetically invisible to signals emitted orreceived by the antennae. Antenna 4 may be formed from conventionalmaterials, and can be embedded within control pad 3, or may be attachedexternally in a manner similar to antennae 1 and 2.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view where antennae 1 and 2 are in verticalpositions relative to control pad 3, which is merely an example of howthe antennae may be positioned. In practice, antennae 1 and 2 may bepositioned in any positions relative to each other and control pad 3 toachieve optimal transmission and reception.

FIG. 3 presents a perspective view of the invention as applied to aconventional computer 7. While FIG. 3 depicts the invention being usedwith a personal computer (“PC”), it is important to note that theinvention can be used with any size or type of computer or device thatdepends on input from a human operator. Examples include, but are notlimited to, notebook computers, laptop computers, workstations, videogame consoles, cash registers, automatic tellers, vehicle electronics orsurgical/medical devices.

This invention may be used with one or more antennae. In operation, theantenna or antennae 1, 2 and 3 act as both emitters and receivers ofelectromagnetic fields. Generally, the antennae are operated in anelectromagnetic spectrum range of 3 Hz to 1.24 eV. The antenna orantennae are arrayed in various arrangements depending upon theparticular application, and the current frequency range being used. Eachof the antennae initially emits a reference frequency. When an object,such as a hand, is placed in the field created by the antenna orantennae over control pad 3, the object creates a disturbance to thefield. This disturbance is registered as a change in value. The valuechange is translated into a coordinate by a device driver or othersoftware conventionally installed in the device to be controlled. As theobject moves within the field, the change in coordinates may beexpressed as a command to the device to be controlled, for example, themovement of a cursor on a computer screen. If desired, the invention canregister more than one disturbance to the field at a given time, givingthe ability to convey more complex commands to a device to be controlledthan can be achieved through conventional means.

In an alternative embodiment, two or more interfaces will be linked withan imaging device that projects three-dimensional images. An example ofsuch a three-dimensional imaging device is a holographic projector. Thefield emitted by the interfaces can overlay the projection. Throughdevice drivers or other software programmed into a programmable circuit,attempts to interact with the images in the three-dimensional projectionwill be captured by the interface and will enable the user to move thevirtual objects.

The invention will provide software specifically designed to relatetwo-and three-dimensional motion in two- and three-dimensional images asrepresented by a programmable circuit. This software can also interpretdisturbances to the field for programmable circuits designed to controlthe motion of mechanical devices. The software may have a specific userinterface that is modifiable for the user.

The invention may be linked electronically (wirelessly) or mechanicallyto the device to be controlled or object device, and can be powered bybattery, a separate AC connection, by the object device, or any otherconventional means known to those in the art. Two or more of theseinventions may be connected to the device to be controlled so that asingle user may use both hands simultaneously, or that multiple userscan control the device. If used in conjunction with a computer asdepicted in FIG. 3, buttons 5 and 6 may be used as on a conventionalmouse, or alternatively, the optional third antenna 4 can be employed tointerpret movement in three dimensions so that the invention canreplicate the conventional functions of buttons 5 and 6 electronically,in a manner familiar to users of conventional mouse devices.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it is appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that anyarrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of the presentinvention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited onlyby the claims and their equivalents.

1. An input device, comprising: at least one antennae for generating afirst frequency and a second frequency; and at least one receiver, forsensing a pulse frequency created by an object placed in proximity tosaid receiver, interpreting said pulse frequency, and translating saidpulse frequency into an electronic signal that can be used to command aprogrammable device.
 2. The input device of claim 1, wherein the firstfrequency and second frequency are emitted over a holographicprojection.
 3. The input device of claim 2, wherein the at least oneantennae is physically connected to a programmable device.
 4. The inputdevice of claim 2 wherein the at least one antennae is wirelesslyconnected to a programmable device.
 5. The input device of claim 1wherein the at least one antennae generates a third frequency.
 6. Theinput device of claim 5 wherein the at least one antennae is physicallyconnected to a programmable device.
 7. The input device of claim 5wherein the at least one antennae is electronically connected to aprogrammable device.